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ExpressBox 3T
User Manual
Thunderbolt™ to PCIe Expansion
Model: EB3T
Magma
Table of Contents
Preface
3
Advisories
3
Safety Instructions
4
Chapter 1
Introduction
6
PCI Express Features
6
Thunderbolt Features
7
Specifications
7
Pre-Installation Information
7
Parts List
8
Tools Required for Installation
8
Chapter 2
Hardware Installation
9
Open Enclosure
9
Install PCIe Cards
10
Extra Power
11
Blower
12
Connect Cables and Turn On
12
Control Fan Speed
14
Daisy Chaining
15
Attaching Displays
15
Chapter 3
Verify Installation
16
MacOS X
16
Thunderbolt Compatible Driver is Required
17
Windows
17
Troubleshooting
18
Chapter 4
How to Get More Help
23
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
23
Contacting Technical Support
23
Returning Merchandise to MAGMA
23
Appendix A
Compliance
25
ExpressBox 3T | Preface 2
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Preface
Advisories
Five types of advisories are used throughout this manual to provide helpful information,
or to alert you to the potential for hardware damage or personal injury.
NOTE
Used to amplify or explain a comment related to procedural steps or text.
IMPORTANT
Used to indicate an important piece of information or special “tip” to help you
CAUTION
Used to indicate and prevent the following procedure or step from causing damage to the
equipment.
WARNING
Used to indicate and prevent the following step from causing injury.
DANGER or STOP
Used to indicate and prevent the following step from causing serious injury or significant
data loss
Disclaimer: We have attempted to identify most situations that may pose a danger,
warning, or caution condition in this manual. However, Magma does not claim to have
covered all situations that might require the use of a Caution, Warning, or Danger
indicator.
ExpressBox 3T | Preface 3
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Safety Instructions
Always use caution when servicing any electrical component. Before handling the
Magma Expansion chassis, read the following instructions and safety guidelines to
prevent damage to the product and to ensure your own personal safety. Refer to the
“Advisories” section for advisory conventions used in this manual, including the
distinction between Danger, Warning, Caution, Important, and Note.



Always use caution when handling/operating the computer. Only qualified,
experienced, authorized electronics personnel should access the interior of the
computer and expansion chassis per UL and IEC 60950-1
The power supplies produce high voltages and energy hazards, which can cause
bodily harm.
Use extreme caution when installing or removing components. Refer to the
installation instructions in this manual for precautions and procedures. If you
have any questions, please contact Magma Technical Support.
WARNING
Never modify or remove the radio frequency interference shielding from your workstation
or expansion unit. To do so may cause your installation to produce emissions that could
interfere with other electronic equipment in the area of your system.
When Working Inside a Computer
1. Before taking covers off a computer, perform the following steps:
2. Turn off the computer and any peripheral devices.
3. Disconnect the computer and peripheral power cords from their AC outlets or
inlets in order to prevent electric shock or system board damage.
In addition, take note of these safety guidelines when appropriate:


To help avoid possible damage to systems boards, wait five seconds after
turning off the computer before removing a component, removing a system
board, or disconnecting a peripheral device from the computer.
When you disconnect a cable, pull on its connector or on its strain-relief loop, not
on the cable itself. Some cables have a connector with locking tabs. If you are
disconnecting this type of cable, press in on the locking tabs before
disconnecting the cable. As you pull connectors apart, keep them evenly aligned
to avoid bending any connector pins. Also, before connecting a cable, make sure
both connectors are correctly oriented and aligned.
ExpressBox 3T | Preface 4
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CAUTION
Do not attempt to service the system yourself except as explained in this manual. Follow
installation instructions closely.
Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Warning
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) is the enemy of semiconductor devices. You should always
take precautions to eliminate any electrostatic charge from your body and clothing before
touching any semiconductor device or card by using an electrostatic wrist strap and/or
rubber mat.
Static electricity can harm system boards. Perform service at an ESD workstation and
follow proper ESD procedures to reduce the risk of damage to components. Magma
strongly encourages you to follow proper ESD procedures, which can include wrist
straps and smocks, when servicing equipment.
You can also take the following steps to prevent damage from electrostatic discharge
(ESD):
·
When unpacking a static-sensitive component from its shipping carton, do not
remove the component’s anti-static packaging material until you are ready to
install the component in a computer. Just before unwrapping the anti-static
packaging, be sure you are at an ESD workstation or are grounded.
·
When transporting a sensitive component, first place it in an anti-static container
or packaging.
·
Handle all sensitive components at an ESD workstation. If possible, use antistatic floor pads and workbench pads.
·
Handle components and boards with care. Don’t touch the components or
contacts on a board. Hold a board by its edges or by its metal mounting bracket.
ExpressBox 3T | Preface 5
Magma
Chapter 1
Introduction
ExpressBox 3T provides an 'outside-the-box' solution for using PCIe® cards with
Thunderbolt-equipped computers. High-performance work flows are possible by
connecting a Thunderbolt equipped computer to a Magma ExpressBox 3T containing
PCIe cards such as video capture, media transcoding, audio processing, and fast data
storage. And because Thunderbolt is also based on DisplayPort technology, you can
daisy chain a high-resolution display with your Magma ExpressBox 3T. Thunderbolt
cable is sold separately.
PCI Express Features
·
·
·
Supports three full-length cards
This chassis includes a PCI Express Gen 2 switch. Any two x4 ports, can merge
to form an 8-lane port. Therefore, the x8 connector is used twice which allows
slot 3 to be 8-lanes or slot 3 to be 4-lanes and slot 4 to be 4-lanes.
The total PCIe lanes for all 3 slots is 16 lanes. Combinations can be:
 X8, x8
 X8, x16 – note: the x16 will run at x8 speed
 X8, x4, x4
 X8, x8, x4 – note: the second x8 will only run at x4 speed
 X8, x16, x4 – note: the x16 will only run at x4 speed
ExpressBox 3T | Chapter 1
Introduction 6
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Thunderbolt Features
·
·
·
·
High-speed Thunderbolt connection – 10Gbps
Dual channel, with support for PCIe and DisplayPort protocols
Automatic power-up control by computer
Daisy-chain or end-point device
Specifications
Item
Technology
Backplane
Interconnect Bandwidth
Enclosure
System Cooling
Power Supply Options
Environmental
MTBF
Regulatory Compliance
Supported Operating Systems
Warranty
Description
PCI Express Bus Specification Revision 2.0
PCI Local Bus Specification Revision 2.3
PCI Bridge Architecture Revision 1.2
(3) Full length PCI Express Slots
-two x8 PCIe 2.0
-one x4 PCIe 2.0
10Gbps (1.25 GB/s) Bi-directional
Aluminum Chassis
14.6”W x, 4.3”H x 7.9”H
(371mm x 110mm x 200mm)
(1) Hot Swappable Fan
(1) Removable Blower Fan
250 Watt
100-240 VAC, 50-60 Hz Power Input
Two 4-pin auxiliary power tabs
Ambient Temperature 0° to 50° C
Storage Temperature -20° to 60° C
Relative Humidity 5% to 85% non-condensing
50,000
FCC Class A Verified
CE
RoHS Compliant
MacOS 10.6.8 or higher
30 day money back guarantee
1 year return to factory
Pre-Installation Information
Before using the Magma Expansion chassis you should perform the following steps:
•
•
•
Inventory the shipping carton contents for all of the required parts
Gather all of the necessary tools required for installation
Read this manual
ExpressBox 3T | Chapter 1
Introduction 7
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Parts List
Qty
1
1
1
1
Item
ExpressBox 3T - Three Slot PCIe Expansion Chassis
Fan Blower
Carry Bag
U.S. Standard 115V Power Cord
Tools Required for Installation
To complete the installation of the Magma product you will need a Phillips-head
screwdriver and ESD wrist strap to prevent electrostatic discharge.
ExpressBox 3T | Chapter 1
Introduction 8
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Chapter 2
Hardware Installation
The following steps will guide you through the installation of your Magma Expansion
System.
CAUTION
Hardware installation shall be performed only by qualified service personnel per UL and
IEC 60950-1.
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Warning
All add-in cards are susceptible to electrostatic discharge. When moving cards, it is best
to carry the cards in anti-static packaging. If you need to set a circuit card down, be sure
to place it inside or on top of an anti-static surface. For more information, see “Protecting
Against Electrostatic Discharge” in the Preface.
WARNING
High voltages are present inside the expansion chassis when the unit’s power cord is
plugged into an electrical outlet. Disconnect the power cord from the AC outlet before
removing the enclosure cover. Turning the system power off at the power on/off switch
does not remove power to components. High voltage is still present.
CAUTION
Before touching anything inside the enclosure, move to an ESD station and follow proper
ESD procedures. Failure to do so may result in electrostatic discharge, damaging the
computer or its components. For more information, see “Protecting Against Electrostatic
Discharge” in the Preface.
Open Enclosure
Loosen the thumbscrew that retains the top cover of the chassis and slide the lid
towards you as shown below:
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Hardware Installation 9
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Install PCIe Cards
Some card manufacturers recommend that you install their software driver prior to
installing the card. If this is the case, be sure to install the card driver before connecting
ExpressBox 3T to the computer.
·
·
·
Slot 1 accepts x1 or x4 PCIe cards or the provided Fan Blower
Slot 2 accepts x1, x4 or x8 PCIe cards
Slot 3 accepts all types of PCIe cards x1, x4, x8 or x16 (next to Thunderbolt
interface card)
Make sure that all cards are fully seated in their connectors. When correctly seated,
there will be a firm resistance when you pull up gently on the card. To keep the cards in
place, secure them in the enclosure with their retaining screws.
After securing the cards verify that they do not touch each other.
NOTE
If at all possible, plug all power cords from the expansion chassis and your host computer
into a shared power strip, preferably one that has surge and noise suppression circuitry
built into it.
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Hardware Installation 10
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WARNING
Do not remove or disconnect any cables from Thunderbolt interface card inserted in the
ExpressBox 3T chassis. Doing so WILL disable functionality.
Extra Power
Some PCIe cards require extra power. There are two 4 pin AUX power connectors that
can be used for providing extra power to cards.
If you need to add another 4 pin AUX tab you can connect an AUX Y splitter
IMPORTANT
Y cable is only shipped / included with First generation (pre production ) of EB3T
expansion units that have one Auxiliary Power cable. This is applicable to EB3T
Units with Date Code MG211A111XXXX.
Second batch of EB3T expansion units with Date Code MG211A1202 (and
above) have already 2 Auxiliary power cables (built-in). These are two 4pin Male
molex connectors. NOTE: The Y Splitter is no longer included with these units.
ExpressBox 3T | Chapter 2
Hardware Installation 11
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Blower
If the PCIe cards run hot or are over 20 watts of power, Magma recommends installing
the blower in the x4 Slot of ExpressBox 3T. Use caution if loading three cards at once.
Check for heat with two cards first.
CAUTION
Before touching anything inside the enclosure, be sure unit has been off and is
cool. Beware of touching anything in chassis if unit has been on.
Connect Cables and Turn On
Plug in power cord to ExpressBox 3T.
Attach Thunderbolt cable into either top or bottom port on the ExpressBox 3T. Plug in
Display Monitor, DVI/HDMI, or Display. If no display will be used, you can daisy chain
other Thunderbolt devices. Plug in the other end of the Thunderbolt cable to the
Thunderbolt port on the computer.
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Hardware Installation 12
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ExpressBox 3T will automatically turn ON when the computer is turned ON. A BLUE
light will shine when the expansion chassis is ON. ExpressBox 3T will automatically turn
OFF when the computer is turned OFF or goes into SLEEP mode.
If either end of the Thunderbolt cable is removed while the system is ON, the expansion
chassis will automatically power down.
ExpressBox 3T | Chapter 2
Hardware Installation 13
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The Blue light on the front of ExpressBox 3T is not an on off push button, it simply
indicates whether the chassis is on or off.
If either end of the Thunderbolt cable is disconnected, ExpressBox 3T will automatically
turn off.
Control Fan Speed
For low power or self-cooled cards you can reduce the fan noise by moving the jumper
found under the removable cooling fan at the front of the chassis to the slowest speed
setting. If the chassis gets hot during use, you should increase the fan speed to provide
more cooling.
You will need a pair of needle nose pliers or a similar tool used for grabbing small
jumpers. Remove the fan cage at the front of the chassis and you will see a small board
as shown below.
The Factory Default is setting 2 (medium). The slowest speed is setting 4 and the
fastest speed is setting F.
F = fastest 1 = fast 2 = medium (default)
ExpressBox 3T | Chapter 2
3 = slow 4 = slowest
Hardware Installation 14
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Daisy Chaining
IMPORTANT
For best performance, it is recommended that ExpressBox 3T be the first device
in the Thunderbolt Daisy-chain.
Attaching Displays
You can use an appropriate Display Port connector to add a Display Port, HDMI, DVI, or
VGA Display.
The Display Port connector can plug into the other Thunderbolt port on ExpressBox 3T
Make sure your display is plugged in and the appropriate adapter is connected.
HDMI, Mini Display Port, VGA, DVI
ExpressBox 3T | 15
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Chapter 3
Verify Installation
MacOS X
To verify a successful installation on Mac select “About This Mac” under the Apple Icon.
Then click the “More Info” button click on the More Info/System Information button 
you should see a pci-bridge device listed under PCI as shown below:
PCIe cards installed in the expansion chassis will typically appear behind the pci-bridge
device. Some storage will not, it will appear under Parallel SCSI. Consult the manual for
the PCIe card for more.
ExpressBox 3T | Chapter 3
Verify Installation 16
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Thunderbolt Compatible Driver is Required
For MacOS, a Thunderbolt Compatible driver is required because it allows PCIe cards
to be detected in ExpressBox 3T. Ensure you have a “Thunderbolt Compatible” driver
from the PCIe card manufacturer otherwise the PCIe card will not be visible to the
system.
If the driver is installed, make sure it supports Thunderbolt. If the driver does not support
Thunderbolt you will see a message “Driver Installed: No
Click on the specific PCIe card in question to see if it’s Thunderbolt Compatible. If it
shows “Yes” then its compatible, if it shows “No”, the PCIe card will not be visible in
ExpressBox 3T.
Windows
Open ACPI (BIOS)  Open PCI BusClick the ‘+’ sign several times until your reach a
PCI Express Root Port with a PCI Standard PCI-to-PCI Bridge beneath it.
If the verification is successful, you can install 3rd Party cards as well as auxiliary
peripherals, such as hard drives into the chassis.
ExpressBox 3T | Chapter 3
Verify Installation 17
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If, however, the installation was unsuccessful, you may not see the PCI to PCI Bridge,
or it will have a small yellow symbol in front of it as shown below, go to
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting
Q: If the Thunderbolt card fails to power up, what should I check?
A: Check the power stand-by cable; make sure it is firmly connected to the power
receptacle of the Thunderbolt Interface card.
Q: How do I know if ExpressBox 3T power supply is working?
A: If the Thunderbolt card is properly seated and connected, there should be two green
LEDs (shown) when black power cable is plugged in, as shown below.
ExpressBox 3T | Chapter 3
Verify Installation 18
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Q. If ExpressBox 3T does not power up how do I determine whether I have a bad
power supply, a bad interface card or defective cable?
A: A working system should illuminate - Five Green LEDs D519, D7000, D701, D24
AND D21 on the interface card, which are located on the top left corner.
·
·
·
When you have a Bad Power Supply, you won't see any Green LEDs lit at all on
the Interface card.
When you have a bad cable, you don't see LEDs D701, D24 AND D21 coming
on. Swap or replaced the Thunderbolt Cable.
If you already swapped the Thunderbolt cable and still LEDs D701, D24 AND
D21 are not coming on this indicates you have a bad interface card.
Q: How can I determine if the driver for my PCIe card is Thunderbolt Compatible?
A: Thunderbolt Tunneling is required for MacOS. In Apple System Profile, click on the
specific PCIe card in question to see if its Thunderbolt Tunnel Compatible. If it shows
“Yes” then Thunderbolt tunneling has been enabled. If it shows “No”, then the driver
does not work through Thunderbolt and the PCIe card will not be visible in ExpressBox
3T.
ExpressBox 3T | Chapter 3
Verify Installation 19
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Q. My PCIe card is not getting detected when installed in 1st PCIE slot, what
should I do?
A. You have to configure the DIP Switch (SW1) on the backplane, setting it to proper
configuration to match the PCIE card specs.
This troubleshooting is only applicable to Rev A5.1 backplane. The main function of
this DIP Switch are as follows
- To set the 1st PCIe slot to train to either GEN1 or GEN2
- To allow a x8 or x16 PCIE card to run under x4 slot
1. If you are installing a X8 – Gen1 PCIE card: set SW1 to ON and SW2 to ON
2. If you are installing a x8 – Gen2 PCIE card: set SW1 to OFF and SW2 to ON
3. If you are installing a X4 – Gen1 PCIE card: set SW1 to ON and SW2 to OFF
4. If you are installing a x4 - Gen2 PCIE card: set SW1 to OFF and SW2 to OFF
NOTE: Default setting: 1= OFF; 2= OFF
ExpressBox 3T | Chapter 3
Verify Installation 20
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Q: Can I daisy chain ExpressBox 3T with more ExpressBox 3T?
A: Yes, but realize that aggregate bandwidth is limited to 10Gbps through the
Thunderbolt port and PCI address and IO space can be limited so the type of cards
installed in the chassis may limit the number that can be daisy chained successfully.
If a daisy chain device doesn’t work; check to see if a RED led (on the Magma
Thunderbolt Card in the first slot of ExpressBox 3T) is on. If so, the daisy chained
device is drawing too much power and the current limiting has kicked in and has turned
off the power to the downstream device.
Q: Will ExpressBox 3T show up in Apple System Profiler or Windows Device
Manager without any PCIe cards installed?
Yes.
In Apple System Profiler  Thunderbolt  Status: Connected  ExpressBox 3T
ExpressBox 3T | Chapter 3
Verify Installation 21
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In Windows Control Panel  Device Manager  View by connection
You should see these three PCI-to-PCI bridges. Right click on it and select “Properties”,
select Hardware Ids from dropdown list, you should see PCI\Ven_111D
ExpressBox 3T | Chapter 3
Verify Installation 22
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Chapter 4
How to Get More Help
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
You can visit the Magma Technical Support FAQ pages on the Internet at:
www.magma.com/support/
Contacting Technical Support
Our support department can be reached by fax at (858) 530-2733 or by phone at (858)
530-2511. Support is available Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM PT.
You can also visit our web site at: www.magma.com/support
For a quick response, use the Technical Support and RMA Request Form available in
the Support Section of the website. Simply complete the form with all required
information. Please make sure that your problem description is sufficiently detailed to
help us understand your problem.
Shipping or Transporting of EB3T with PCI / PCIe cards
Red Rocket , Pro Tools HDx cards or any full length PCIe cards in EB3T should be
removed (not to be installed) prior to shipment to avoid or prevent possible damage.
Note: Expansion board and PCIe / PCI cards that arrive damaged in shipment will not
be covered under warranty.
Returning Merchandise to MAGMA
If factory service is required, a Service Representative will give you a Return
Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number. Put this number and your return address on
the shipping label when you return the item(s) for service. Magma will return any
product that is not accompanied by an RMA number. Please note that Magma WILL
NOT accept COD packages, so be sure to return the product freight and duties-paid.
Ship the well-packaged product to the address below:
MAGMA RETURNS DEPT.
RMA # ________
9918 Via Pasar
San Diego, CA 92126
USA
ExpressBox 3T | Chapter 4
How to Get More Help 23
Magma
It is not required, though highly recommended, that you keep the packaging from the
original shipment of your Magma product. However, if you return a product to Magma
for warranty repair/ replacement or take advantage of the 30-day money back
guarantee, you will need to package the product in a manner similar to the manner in
which it was received from our plant. Magma cannot be responsible for any physical
damage to the product or component pieces of the product (such as the host or
expansion interfaces for the expansion chassis) that are damaged due to inadequate
packing. Physical damage sustained in such a situation will be repaired at the owner’s
expense in accordance with Out of Warranty Procedures. Please, protect your
investment, a bit more padding in a good box will go a long way to insuring the device is
returned to use in the same condition you shipped it in. Please call for an RMA number
first.
ExpressBox 3T | Chapter 4
How to Get More Help 24
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Appendix A
Compliance
FCC
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class
A digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to
provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is
operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation
of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which
case the user will be required to correct the interference at his/her own expense.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this
device must accept any interference received including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user‘s authority to operate the equipment.
NOTE
The assembler of a personal computer system may be required to test the system
and/or make necessary modifications if a system is found to cause harmful
interferences or to be noncompliant with the appropriate standards for its intended
use.
Industry Canada
This Class A digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Cetappareilnumériqué de la classe A estconformé à la norme NMB-003 du Canada
CE
The product(s) described in this manual complies with all applicable European Union
(CE) directives. Magma will not retest or recertify systems or components that have
been reconfigured by customers
ExpressBox 3T | Appendix A
Compliance 25
Manual P/N 09-09989-01 D1